Connecticut Celebration

THE Dartmouth Bicentennial Year formally begins with Commencement in June 1969, but one month before that an important event will take place in Columbia, Conn., commemorating Moor's Indian Charity School, out of which grew Eleazar Wheelock's idea of a college in the northern wilderness.

But for the charter from Governor John Wentworth of New Hampshire and the grant of lands in the township of Hanover, Wheelock's college might have developed at the site of his original school. Columbia was the Second Parish of Lebanon, Conn., in Wheelock's day. Although Eleazar had conducted Moor's Indian Charity School there for 14 years and, as a Yale graduate, had strong Connecticut ties, he was eager for the greater opportunities that New Hampshire would give to his life's mission.

Columbia in a sense was the "birthplace" of Dartmouth College, and to celebrate that fact in the College's 200th year alumni from Connecticut and elsewhere will converge on the town on Saturday, May 17. The Moor's School building, modified somewhat over the years, still stands on the quiet green in Columbia, as does the home Eleazar Wheelock occupied during his ministry. The church in which he preached was rebuilt in 1835 but otherwise stands intact next to the school.

As a prelude to the half-day festivities beginning at 11 a.m., the Ledyard Canoe Club will trace the route of John Ledyard down the Connecticut River from Hanover to Hartford, bringing with them a memento to be presented during the May 17 ceremonies. A concert by the Dartmouth Band, exhibits in the Moor's School building, outdoor events involving members of the Outing Club, and several other attractions will lead to the feature address by President Dickey. Among the guests expected are descendants of Eleazar Wheelock and Samson Occom and a representative from the U. S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.